Which Voices Are Really Prophetic? [Firebrand Big Read]
Within the grand scope of the Church's global mission—a mission for which Christ descended from heaven, entered the womb of Mary, took on human flesh, and ultimately traversed death and hell before triumphantly rising again—the focus on the Holy Spirit's power and the charismatic gifts offers a profound avenue for spiritual growth and renewal. At the same time, the charismatic movement faces significant challenges. While these are not new in the history of the Church, they seem to be proliferating in the current culture due to the many technological advances at our beck and call. This is particularly evident when it comes to a massive proliferation of “all things prophetic.” A prophetic potpourri has dominated the landscape in ways that perhaps our Wesleyan-Pentecostal forebears could not have conceived.
The concern before us is the dilution of authentic prophetic voices. It is indeed possible to have too much of a good thing. We moved from the days of Amos who prophesied over the corruption of the Northern Kingdom of Israel which resulted in “famine…for hearing the words of Yahweh” (Amos 8:11), to a day when prophets are claiming God is saying so much that it is as if we sit at a prophetic smorgasbord, bordering on the sin of spiritual gluttony. We need to take time to reflect critically on the balance between welcoming the plurality of voices enabled by technological advances and the need for discernment to preserve the integrity of prophetic ministry. Is an overabundance of so-called prophetic messages paradoxically leading us to a similar spiritual hunger as in the days of Amos? I am intentionally framing the question this way to highlight the complexity of navigating the contemporary prophetic landscape and emphasize the importance of discernment, wisdom, and a grounded understanding of Scripture as essential tools for distinguishing genuine prophetic guidance from mere noise.
Discerning leaders in the Body of Christ need to lift their voices like a trumpet and call for a return to foundational spiritual practices and principles that can help the church at large engage with the prophetic in a way that is both open and critically informed. We need to ask the question, “How do we best embrace the Holy Spirit's work in this area while remaining anchored in the deep, transformative truths of the faith once for all delivered to the saints?” (Jude 3). Can we honor the rich heritage of the Tradition (with a capital “T”) and also engage constructively with the challenges and opportunities of the contemporary postmodern world?
False Prophets?
This issue echoes concerns faced by the early Christian community from the end of the first century A.D. to the middle of the second. It revolves around the struggle to identify true teachings and prophetic utterances amidst a sea of conflicting voices. The early Church grappled with distinguishing between "true" and "false" teachings and prophecies, a challenge stemming from differing perspectives within the community, leading to the emergence of labels like "false prophet," "false apostle," and "false teacher” (see David E. Aune, Prophecy in Early Christianity and the Ancient Mediterranean World, 222). These terms highlighted the crisis and conflict among competing authorities within early Christian congregations, underscoring the complex nature of spiritual authority and the need for discernment. David Aune's examination of key texts from early Christian literature emphasizes the importance of testing prophetic utterances to expose potential fraud. He cites Matthew 7:15–23, which warns against false prophets who come in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves, teaching that one will recognize them by their fruits. He also addresses 1 John 4:1–3, advising us to test the spirits to see whether they are from God, as many false prophets have gone out into the world. Additionally, Aune refers to the Didache, the Shepherd of Hermas, and the Acts of Thomas, which contribute to this conversation by offering criteria and methods for discerning genuine and deceptive prophetic messages (see Aune, 222).
It's crucial to recognize that the problem of false prophecy does not always stem from deliberate fraud. In many instances, the issue arises from ignorance on the part of those proclaiming messages they believe to be prophetic. This ignorance—whether it concerns the proper interpretation of Scripture, the historical context of biblical teachings, or the core doctrines of “the faith” (which are inseparable from the ancient Creedal confessions)—can lead individuals to propagate unknowingly teachings unfaithful to the faith once for all delivered to the saints.
The resulting deception, therefore, is not always a matter of malicious intent but often a consequence of a lack of understanding and discernment. When individuals without a grounding in sound, orthodox spiritual formation and proper prophetic catechesis assume the role of prophets, they may inadvertently convey messages that, while sincere, are theologically misguided or misinterpreted. This situation underscores the importance of education and formation within the Church and the need for would-be or potential prophets to be well-versed in Scripture, the Tradition, and sound doctrine. For Pentecostals, that might mean, at the very least, reconnecting with our Wesleyan heritage.
Prophecy and Discernment
The challenge at present extends beyond simply identifying and rejecting deliberate fraud or unintentional deception. It involves fostering an environment where continuous learning, theological reflection, and communal discernment are valued and practiced. Given the kind of demagoguery displayed publicly by some “prophets,” it is crucial for the greater Pentecostal/charismatic community to prioritize a culture of humility, accountability, and scriptural fidelity. This necessitates a shift from a passive consumption of prophetic pronouncements to an active, engaged process of discernment that involves the whole body of believers. Such a culture encourages questions, welcomes healthy skepticism regarding unchecked prophetic claims, and promotes a Berean approach of examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things are so (Acts 17:11).
In this context, leadership within the church plays a pivotal role. Leaders are tasked not only with modeling discernment and scriptural engagement themselves but also with equipping their congregations to do the same. This involves providing resources for biblical literacy, creating spaces for dialogue and debate about prophetic messages, and encouraging a practice of discernment that is communal, rather than individualistic. By doing so, leaders can help ensure that the church remains anchored in the truth of the gospel, resilient against the waves of false teaching that threaten to dilute its witness. We can help mitigate the spread of unintentional deception and ensure that those who feel called to the prophetic ministry are equipped to serve faithfully and effectively, reducing the risk of propagating teachings that deviate from the truth of the gospel. We have to be willing.
The underlying psychological dynamics at play in discerning prophetic messages are critical. Neglecting these aspects significantly undermines our capacity for genuine discernment and wise action. Distinguishing between true and false prophetic messages is not solely a spiritual or theological endeavor. It is also rooted in sound psychology, where we account for human subjectivity and predispositions toward cognitive biases like confirmation bias, or “the tendency to gather evidence that confirms preexisting expectations, typically by emphasizing or pursuing supporting evidence while dismissing or failing to seek contradictory evidence.” Such bias distorts sound judgment and hinders effective discernment when unchecked. Additionally, the appeal of charismatic authority and the pressure to conform to group dynamics often challenge discernment processes within these communities, leading individuals to accept messages without critical evaluation, merely based on the charisma of the messenger or a collective desire for agreement. This issue is compounded when group ideologies, claimed to be divinely inspired, create echo chambers that reinforce these biases, sidelining the ancient faith's teachings and the crucial role of Scriptural and ecclesial scrutiny.
A Culture of Discernment
Addressing these challenges requires a culture of humility, openness, and mutual accountability within our communities of faith. Encouraging engagement in regular self-examination, prayerful reflection, and the faithful study of Scripture can help mitigate the impact of cognitive biases and narcissistic charismatic influence. Furthermore, fostering an environment where questions and doubts can be openly discussed without fear of judgment is essential for healthy communal discernment. At this juncture in history, we are facing a crisis of biblical literacy (see the Denison Forum, Lifeway Research, and Modern Reformation) that has created fertile ground for proof-texting and exegetical fallacies. This situation is exacerbated by a culture of individualism and a lack of communal discernment, further amplified by digital media's unregulated nature. Such an environment is ripe for the propagation of teachings, practices, and self-proclaimed prophetic expressions that depart from Christian orthodoxy, orthopraxy, and orthopathy.
Add to that the growing issue of “titles” within the Body of Christ, in this case the title of “prophet,” and we face a complex challenge that affects both the psychological perception and the communal dynamics of the Church at large. This demand can in certain settings give rise to behaviors and attitudes that are immature, demanding, and saturated with expectations that starkly diverge from the teachings of the Scriptures on servanthood and humility. These manifestations are fundamentally un-Christlike, reflecting a departure from the ethos of mutual support, service, and selfless love that Jesus exemplified and taught. At the heart of this issue lies a lack of self-awareness and emotional self-regulation, where individuals seek validation and a sense of worth through external affirmations of their spiritual status or role within the church. This quest for external validation not only distorts the essence of Christian leadership and ministry as modeled by Jesus but also undermines the communal and egalitarian spirit of the early Christian community as outlined in the Scriptures.
Questioning Authority
Furthermore, the dynamics of authoritarianism significantly compound these challenges, introducing elements of psychological manipulation that can have long-lasting impacts on personal and communal well-being. Authoritarian leaders, often leveraging the conferred authority of titles like "prophet," or “apostle”, have, in too many cases, created environments where questioning or dissent is discouraged, and conformity is enforced under the guise of spiritual unity or obedience. Make no mistake, the same can be applied to the role of bishop. This authoritarian stance not only stifles healthy discourse and spiritual growth but also leads to the manipulation of members' perceptions and emotions, exploiting their desire for belonging and spiritual significance. The psychological manipulation inherent in such settings exploits vulnerabilities, creating a cycle where members increasingly depend on the leader's approval for spiritual validation, further entrenching authoritarian dynamics. This reliance on external validation, particularly from those in positions of spiritual authority, can severely disrupt the ability of the members to engage in self-reflection and self-regulation, leading to a diminished capacity for personal discernment and a heightened susceptibility to manipulation.
The excessive pursuit of recognition and acceptance, all too evident in some vying for leadership positions, often stems from deep-seated insecurities and unfulfilled psychological needs. They display behaviors and attitudes (both conscious and unconscious) that place personal advancement above the communal good. This shift redirects attention from a collaborative, service-oriented fellowship rooted in love and humility to an environment marked by competition and the quest for status. This dynamic prompts a critical reflection within our communities: are we inadvertently creating a system that primarily benefits those in authority? Are we in greater need of encouraging the regular practices of healthy self-reflection, community support, and spiritual formation that cultivate emotional maturity, self-awareness, and a genuine sense of belonging and acceptance based on shared faith and mutual love? Any undue emphasis on titles not only precipitates ego inflation, self-aggrandizement, and a culture of entitlement but also introduces a nuanced layer of privilege that significantly impacts the individuals holding these titles and their communities.
Privileged Prophets
A careful reading of Phil. 2:1-11 makes it clear that Jesus, while existing in the form of God, did not see His divine status as something to be exploited or clung to for His advantage. Instead, He chose the path of self-emptying, assuming the nature of a servant, made in human likeness, and embracing obedience to the extent of dying on the cross. This act was not about diminishing His divinity; rather, it demonstrated that true divinity is expressed in servitude, sacrifice, and surrender, opposing the human inclination toward grasping for power, title, and position. Jesus is the most humble human in the universe.
Paul clarifies that the essence of living in communion with God defies the pursuit of personal elevation at the expense of others. His words are a powerful repudiation of a culture that prizes titles and authority over the sacrificial love and humility exemplified by Christ. Jesus’s life and his death on the cross serve as the ultimate model for Christian conduct, illustrating that participation in the divine life is manifested through humility, self-giving love, and prioritizing the needs of the community over personal ambitions. This perspective challenges us to reevaluate our understanding of leadership and influence within the Body of Christ, steering us toward a path that mirrors the kenotic (self-emptying) love of Jesus.
Sadly, however, the conferred title of "prophet" in some circles now carries implicit expectations of privilege and deference, altering the community's social dynamics and fostering an environment of undue reverence that may stifle healthy spiritual discernment and accountability. This lack of accountability, coupled with the psychological effects of increased self-importance, risks overshadowing the intrinsic aspects of service and humility that should characterize their role. Moreover, the perceived privileges associated with such titles exacerbate power dynamics within the community, potentially leading to abuses of power and a prioritization of the "prophet's" voice over the collective pursuit of spiritual growth.
Building Up the Body
In addressing these concerns, the aim for the Body of Christ is to foster a culture where roles are recognized for their function and contribution to the community, rather than for the prestige associated with titles. This approach is particularly relevant when considering the gifts (domata) Paul highlights in Ephesians 4:11-ff., which Christ bestows upon us. As the Great Shepherd, Christ nourishes and sustains us through His word and the scriptures, guided by the Spirit who inspired the sacred text. It is through this feeding, caring, and nurturing that Jesus exercises His governance over the Father’s house, exemplifying leadership that is servant-oriented and focused on the well-being of the community. Participating in the fellowship of the Son (1 Cor. 1:9 ASV – the older translations use “of” rather than “with”) suggests a shared participation in the life and mission of Jesus Christ, as invited and enabled by Him, through the Holy Spirit, into the relational dynamic and purpose He shares with the Father.
The recipients of the domata in Ephesians 4:11 act as under-shepherds of the Great Shepherd. They co-labor and participate with Christ by the Spirit. His life is manifest through us. This is not about an attempt to replicate Jesus on our own strength, but rather Jesus living His life through us. Understanding our roles within the Body of Christ as participants in his very life changes our perspective on leadership and service. It transforms our actions and decisions, infusing them with His presence and guidance. This collaboration with Christ enables us to reflect His character and love in our interactions, ensuring our service within the Body of Christ is an expression of Jesus’ ongoing work in the world. We are not merely working for Christ, but with Him, as His life shapes and energizes our own, embodying His love, humility, and care for His people in all we do.
These persons Christ endows (Eph. 4:11) are intended, as Paul asserts, to be perceived not through the lens of hierarchical status but rather in their capacity for "equipping," (drawing from the Greek term katartismos) in relation to “completing,” or making us fit for God’s specific purposes (see the Lexham Research Lexicon of the Greek New Testament). The term katartismos appears here only in the New Testament. Its root meaning relates to the setting of broken bones in a surgical procedure. It can also be used in a broader sense of restoration (see Markus Barth, Ephesians, on chs. 4-6). It might be profoundly helpful therefore to embrace a therapeutic view of these functions in relation to bringing the saints to the place where they are capable of fulfilling their respective works of service in Christ. Christ’s Presence is healing and restoring Presence. Such Presence is equipping Presence.
The ultimate objective then is growth in communal empowerment, so that the people of God collectively contribute to the well-being and flourishing of the local church and the larger communities they serve. That growth is to be a growth in love. That love is always kenotic. Leadership, therefore, is called to exemplify self-sacrificial, self-emptying love for the sake of the greater good. This underscores dedication to the community's welfare and the forward movement of the kingdom of God, mirroring the healing and restorative mission of Jesus. This shift toward emphasizing function over titular recognition helps mitigate the psychological and perceptual impacts of titles, maintaining a balanced perspective on spiritual authority where humility, mutual accountability, and a commitment to serving others are paramount.
Theology Matters
All of this leads to the need for the contemporary Church to prioritize biblical literacy and sound theological education. Faithful approaches to the sacred text involve engaging Scripture holistically, considering its historical, cultural, and literary contexts, and seeking to understand its message in light of the whole canon of Scripture. This approach recognizes that the Bible is not a collection of proof texts but a narrative of God's redemptive work in the world, culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In a context of biblical illiteracy, proof-texting becomes a common practice. This method, combined with exegetical fallacies, fuels the misuse of the prophetic by providing a veneer of biblical legitimacy to messages that, upon closer examination, contradict the broader narrative of Scripture. Prophetic messages that rely on proof-texting often lack depth and coherence, leading to a fragmented understanding of God's character and will.
The contemporary emphasis on individual experience and personal revelation undermines the communal and scriptural frameworks within which genuine prophetic ministry operates. When personal “prophetic revelation” is elevated above the shared discernment and accountability structures of the community, it opens the door for subjective and untested supposed “revelations" to be accepted without critique. This individualistic approach obscures the distinction between true prophetic insight inspired by the Holy Spirit and personal convictions or desires mistakenly attributed to divine inspiration.
By refocusing on the function of prophecy and the role of the Spirit in testifying to Jesus, the church can guard against the dangers of ego-driven ministry and ensure that prophetic voices genuinely contribute to the edification, encouragement, and consolation of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 14:3). In doing so, the church can embrace the fullness of the Spirit's work, fostering an environment where the true purpose of prophecy—to glorify God and to advance His kingdom—is realized.
Mark Chironna is the Presiding Bishop of Engage, a network of bishops and pastors, and the founding pastor and Overseer of Church On The Living Edge in Longwood, Florida. He serves on Firebrand’s Editorial Board.